GAME REPORT

Evgenia Belyakova recorded a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double for Sparta&K

Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje claimed their first EuroLeague Women success of the season after a scorching start helped them secure a valuable 67-55 Group C win against CCC Polkowice.

In their previous contest at Galatasaray odeabank, it was Sparta&K who were caught napping after the tip-off and blown away early.

This time however, the Russian club were the tormentors as they put CCC Polkowice to the sword with a spectacular 28-6 opening salvo during the first twelve minutes of the contest.

Leading 10-6, the home fans in Vidnoje were left thrilled as their team tore the visitors to shred with a stunning 18-0 run, as young Daria Namok finished the burst with a three-pointer in another nice cameo.

CCC Polkowice finally stopped the bleeding heading towards half-time and either side of the interval, they tried to find a much needed foothold in the game.

But, it wasn't until the last quarter that they finally looked like threatening the superiority of the hosts when they trimmed the gap to single digits at 63-55.

It was a false dawn, however, as Sparta&K finished impressively to cement a morale-boosting first success of the season.

Former Sparta&K duo Janel McCarville and Jelena Skerovic did their best to put on over on their former club but to no avail.

Sonja Petrovic had a game-high 18 points, with Evgenia Belyakova completing a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds.

McCarville and Skerovic combined for 21 points, with the latter also adding eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals.

COACH QUOTES

Polkowice Head Coach Jacek Winnicki"We had a terrible first quarter and beginning of second quarter in which Sparta&K put together a 18-0 run. To cover such a difference in an away game against a good team like Sparta&K is almost impossible. But my players did not give up and even though a couple of times they reached within eight points we were not able to really threaten the home team. Now we have to get ready for our next EuroLeague Women game which is at home versus Prague. In conclusion congratulations to Sparta&K."

Polkowice Player Belinda Snell"We had a dismal first half in which it seemed as if we were sleeping and while we never gave up we were not able to cover the difference which Sparta&K had gained in this time. After all they were playing at home and they do have a good team. We now have to continue working hard and winning as many EuroLeague Women game as we can in order to be able to reach where we reached last season."

Sparta&K Head Coach Alexander Vasin"We started very well, executed what we had planned to do and played good defence and thanks to all what I mentioned we created a good difference. But it looks like my players felt that the game was over and Polkowice were able to bring the point difference to single digits. We made too many turnovers. Now we have to continue working hard because we are a young team and we have a lot to learn."

Sparta&K Player Sonja Petrovic"It is great to win our first EuroLeague Women game especially because we beat a good team. We came out strong at the beginning and while we made too many turnovers we were still able to protect our lead. This happened because of the combination of Polkowice not giving up and us relaxing. We have to become more "hungry" and cut down on the turnovers. But the bottom line is that we are very happy and hopeful for the future."